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AMA Victoria says penalties must be enforced for violence against healthcare workers

AMA Victoria notes the County Court verdict and sentence passed earlier this week on two individuals who attacked paramedics in an incident in 2016.

We wish to convey our profound disappointment in the sentence handed to the perpetrators who attacked our fellow health workers.

The tragic incidents of recent years against some of our own doctor colleagues are fresh in our minds.

We acknowledge the efforts of the State Government in introducing laws for mandatory sentencing against those who attack health workers.

However the Government needs to ensure the community clearly understands we and our health care worker colleagues often do not feel safe in our workplaces.

Verbal abuse, threatening and aggressive behaviour and physical assault are common occurrences.

A strong message must be sent through the judicial system that any violence is unacceptable and that any such acts will be met with the mandated penalty.

Violence against health workers is never acceptable.

AMA Victoria will continue to work to improve safety for our healthcare worker colleagues including pushing the State Government to expedite recommendations made by the 2016 Violence in Healthcare Taskforce.

Any doctor in need of support can call AMA Victoria’s Peer Support Service 1300 853 338 or the Victorian Doctors Health Program (VDHP) 9280 8712.